Abstract:
A pulsator device in which a second pulsator performs different movements according to rotating directions of a first pulsator so as to reduce water consumption and improve washing performance.
Abstract:
A combination rotating/tipping mechanism for an agitator arranged in an inner tub of a washing machine includes a drive member, a tipping member fixedly mounted to the agitator and pivotally mounted to the drive member, and a pivot link interconnecting the tipping member and the inner tub of the machine. In operation, rotation of the drive member imparts an oscillating/rotating motion to the tipping member about a rotational axis. Simultaneously, the pivot link is caused to pivot about a pivotal axis, thereby restricting the movement of the tipping member and causing the tipping member to pivot about another pivotal axis.
Abstract:
A monoblock rotor is provided that is used in the mechanical transmission of epicycloidal gears that are positioned in a gearbox that is responsible for the oscillatory and gyratory motions of vertical washing machine tubs. One embodiment of the present invention utilizes a monoblock rotor that is preferably made of a phenolic-based, high-resistance polymer in a single stage injection molding, to thus provide a rotor equipped with substantially perpendicular shafts.
Abstract:
A tipping mechanism for a vertical axis washing machine includes an agitator, a drive member, a tipping member and a stationary pivot member. The pivot member preferably takes the form of a ball which is received in a socket defined by the tipping member. In a preferred form of the invention, the pivot member is provided with at least one guide member which is received in an arcuate channel, including both horizontal and vertical components, defined by the tipping member. In operation, the drive member causes the tipping member to rotate, while the arrangement of the guide member in the arcuate channel forces the tipping member to shift in various planes. This movement imparts a combination rotating and tipping motion to the agitator.
Abstract:
A tipping mechanism for a vertical axis washing machine includes an agitator, a drive member, a tipping member and a stationary pivot member. The pivot member preferably takes the form of a ball which is received in a socket defined by the tipping member. In a preferred form of the invention, the pivot member is provided with at least one guide member which is received in an arcuate channel, including both horizontal and vertical components, defined by the tipping member. In operation, the drive member causes the tipping member to rotate, while the arrangement of the guide member in the arcuate channel forces the tipping member to shift in various planes. This movement imparts a combination rotating and tipping motion to the agitator.
Abstract:
A washing machine includes a wobbling device having a rotary blade. The wobbling device causes a wobbling action of a washboard without rotating the washboard during a washing mode operation, and rotates the rotary blade in one direction to allow a sufficient amount of wash water to flow upward through an ascending water current guide and fall from an upper portion of a spin-drying tub onto clothes contained in the spin-drying tub, thus effectively washing the clothes. The washboard is installed at a lower portion in the spin-drying tub such that it wobbles upward and downward. The rotary blade is installed under the washboard, and is rotated in one direction by torque of a washing shaft. The rotary blade is fitted over a boss which couples a vertical rotary shaft of the wobbling device to the washing shaft, and is rotated by the torque of the washing shaft. The water current guide extends along a sidewall of the spin-drying tub from a lower end to an upper end of the spin-drying tub. Water currents generated from the rotary blade are guided to the upper portion of the spin-drying tub and fall from the upper portion to the lower portion of the spin-drying tub.
Abstract:
A wobble joint for use in automatic washing appliances and the like includes inner, outer and intermediate joint members which have nesting curved sliding surfaces that enable the joint members to pivot relative to one another. The joint has motion limiting features acting between the intermediate joint member and each of the inner and outer joint members to restrict relative movement between the outer joint member and the intermediate joint member to pivotal movement within a first plane and to restrict relative movement of the intermediate member and inner joint member to pivotal movement within a second plane transverse to the first plane. The motion limiting features comprise first and second arcuate grooves extending parallel to the first and second planes and retainers captured in the grooves and relatively moveable therealong.
Abstract:
A wash plate for a clothes washer having upwardly extending fins and triangular shaped protrusions spaced between the fins. A hub extends upwardly from the center of the wash plate to keep clothes separated. The wash plate has holes provided on the surface to allow mixing of wash liquid and draining of water from clothing. The fins assist in pushing clothing in a circular motion around the hub and the triangular protrusions open the clothes. Opening the clothes keeps them from tangling and allows wash liquid and water to be more evenly dispersed on the clothing.